This blog chronicles the years I jumped head-first into life; After college ended I got my first "real" job, married my high school sweetheart & became a momma to identical twin boys...all in the same year!!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

It's not everyday that something inspirational or even meaningful flows through my Facebook newsfeed. That was not the case yesterday. A friend of mine (still attending WMU) shared this article and encouraged everyone to read it. I was bored and I love articles and WMU so I glanced through the photos and then read about a truly inspiring young man. Chris Boes is a student at Western whom, despite battling brain cancer, persevered and continued his study of public law at the University! Because of all of his hard work and his truly inspiring story, Western honored him with a special early graduation ceremony.

WMU's President, John Dunn, with student/alumnus Chris Boes

AMAZING. Such a wonderful article to read & story to know about; especially before the holidays.

One of my former professors, Dr. Ashlyn Kuresten, with the new graduate and his parents.

When I wake up on the 'wrong side of the bed' or even struggle with a negative attitude some days, reading stories like this one really puts things into perspective! So what if I get a flat tire a week after I purchased new ones, So what if my hopes are high for a job and then get a "thanks, but no thanks" letterSo what if I can't afford some of the things I want but do not absolutely need Bad things happen. Bad days happen. But It's not a bad life, it's just a bad day and we have to keep pushing forward. Thinking about the struggles and serious adversity other's may be facing easily encourages me to stop being negative and worrying about the little things so I have room to appreciate the big ones. . .A flat tire is nothing because at least I have a safe vehicle.I am an unemployed, poor recent college graduate but I have an education and the support of my boyfriend through this financial and mental struggle.I can super glue my winter boots' ripped seam and use inserts to make them work for one more winter.

There are many, many, many things to be thankful for. Every single day. It's funny how much easier it is to remember to this, during the holiday season.

Thankful November# 23 I am thankful to be a Bronco! While I didn't always enjoy some of the challenging work or the amount of debt I am in because of my schooling, I am SO thankful to have had the opportunity to attend Western Michigan University and just be part of such an amazing school that cares about the student body. It's a great day to be a Bronco! ; )# 24 I am thankful for my boyfriend's family. A family I hope to become my future in laws. It's tricky to figure out who's home to celebrate which holiday at etc, so this year I will be celebrating with my mom and her mom. While my boyfriend celebrates with his dad's side of the family. When finding out I wasn't going to make it to their dinner this year ,his dad said " aw, that's too bad" His statement made me smile, I love my second family, they're great people <3 # 25 I am thankful for good cooks. While my Gram, Daddy, & mom are all great cooks. I am lacking in this department. My grandma and dad have been cooks for a living. People RAVE about their food and for good reason. I am thankful I get to enjoy another home cooked thanksgiving with my grandma.# 26 I am thankful for the men and women who serve and protect this country. While military men and women are probably what you're thinking I mean even more than them. The healthcare professionals (*think* EMTS and others) and police officers/firefighters too! All of them sacrifice so much most importantly time with their families and sometimes their own lives for the safety of ours!! I am beyond thankful for all that they do for us. # 27 I am thankful for my driver's education. Michigan roads can be trying this time of the year. Add in careless drivers and disaster awaits. I was mad at the time, but looking back -- my grandparents & mom making me wait to take driver's ed. until Winter time was one of the best decisions they ever made. I am a good driver and navigate these icky roads like a boss! ha, sorry...I just had to. Anyway, tomorrow my boyfriend and I will be traveling about 45 minutes to our hometown. Our hometown plows are struggling to keep up with the snow! We got more than a 12inches in some areas and roads are icy and accidents are nonstop. I wish safe travels for all! And remember it's better to be late than never arrive >> slow down!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Other than checking my email constantly for news on my interviews, we're just having a 'Parenthood' marathon and I plan on tidying up our apartment for the Holidays.

My boyfriend's momfuture Mother-in-law ; ) is driving four hours to come and spend the holidays with us this year and she will be staying here for a week.

Sooooo, naturally I'm going on a major cleaning spree!

I hope that hoarders is still on Netflix, that always helps me toss out stuff we don't truly need OR have space for!

Ohhh, Monica. . . : )

While I do not want to wish away the last of 2013 (Hellllo! Bring on the turkey, pumpkin pie & ALL THINGS Christmas!!!) BUT I am really excited to bring in the new year. . .

Here's to hoping 2014 is better than this not-so-great year!

Speaking of Christmas,

have you seen this funnyhilarious commercial?

Thankful November

# 22 I am thankful for my mom's best friend. My "aunt" Dawn. She is such a blessing for my mom and I and I love her like actual family. I can count on her more than actual family and friendships like that is rare. My mom is lucky to have her and I am thankful that my mom has a such a great, true friend.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

As I mentioned last week, I had two interviews this week. These interviews were easily the most important ones I've ever had. Huge opportunities to finally begin my post-college career in the field that I actually studied! No pressure or anything . . .

I am a very anxious person and interviews are my biggest trigger; I become queen of awkward town and babble like a goofball when being interviewed. As soon as I get over five minutes of excited feelings, anxiety steps in and I dread the interview until it's over I know if I've got the position or not!

Okay, I might not be as awful as I think I am. Yesterday my last boss emailed me that she had already been called from the first interview I had, she said it went well and they actually told her "I am a top candidate"

My first interview was for a position assisting felony probation/parole agents in the field.

A great entry level position, good pay, and I want it so badly! I'm really excited to begin my career and I feel this position is a great place for me to start! << this is the one that I'm a top candidate for . . . *fingers crossed*

My second interview was for a booking clerk position at the county jail! Holy guacamole, such an amazing opportunity. I want it so badly! After the interview I took a personality test and asked for a quick tour of the facility. It was great. I wasn't feeling very confident with this interview (maybe because a captain and two lieutenants in full uniform were conducting my interview) Once I felt like I was bombing the interview, I seriously couldn't wait to get out of there . . .

HA!

The hardest part, as they say, is o-v-e-r. Now the waiting game! Oh joy!

Thankfully, I have the holiday season to distract me from worrying *too much* about the interviews every single waking moment!

Thankful November!

# 16 I am thankful for kindness. A smile or simple words of encouragement can change someone's mood or entire day! It's amazing and I love being the recipient of kindness almost as much as practicing kindness. What can I say, I'm a smiley person . . . : )

# 17 I am thankful for my car! Living forty-five minutes from my hometown (& immediate family) I rely on my car to go and visit with them. Now that the colder months are here, having a good running vehicle is important to me and I am thankful for my decent car.

# 18 I am thankful for photography! Life is constantly changing and that's why I believe memories are such treasures. Having a photo to bring back memories from a photo of old friends, lost loved ones, or funny times. . . I LOVE looking at old photos and taking new ones to look back on in the future!

Max smiling & waiting so patiently for me to throw his toy!

# 19 I am thankful for community volunteers/supporters. With the chaos that occurred during the tornadoes and severe storms, many people were left with no power and major home damage. Without places/people like the American Red Cross, those affected may not have had a warm place to sleep or a meal to eat. We all need the support of others. I am thankful organizations like this, exist.

# 20 I am thankful for the hard workers that worked hard to restore power in my hometown and surrounding states affected by the weekends severe weather! My family was only without power for 48 hours and I am very thankful that my mom and pups all had a warm place to stay while the power was being restored. (thanks for watching my doggies, Gram)

# 21(yikes I am really behind!) I am thankful for blogging! Since moving away from home (and my best friends) Blogging acts as an outlet for me to share happenings in my life or thoughts I have in my head the day I write a new post! Whether I have 0 or 5,000 readers, I truly enjoy blogging!

Friday, November 15, 2013

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

Small groups that come together and plan out events, large or small, that aim to help another out are truly inspiring! Last November, a group I was associated with at college did many volunteer events in the community. One event I attended/volunteered at was Project Connect. This event turned out to be my second favorite event/organization I've ever volunteered for..{During High school, as part of National Honor Society, I helped out at Special Olympics. It was such an amazing opportunity.} Poverty Reduction Initiative or PRI hosts PROJECT CONNECT twice a year. It's purpose is to connect the community to free on-site community service, including:

health and medical screenings

children’s & parenting services

financial & legal

housing & food assistance

employment & education

personal (haircuts, clothing, etc.)

The event is free– including public transportation, entertainment, and lunch! Around 300 volunteerssharing their time, energy, and knowledge. And between 600-1000 attendees per event.

Just half of the clothing donations for this year's November event! Amazing... : )

Upon arrival, Josh & I immediately helped a gentleman unload his car full of dog food and kitty litter! Holy cow there was a lot, awesome addition of pet supplies that I do not remember being available last year.

Next, we unloaded TONS of boxes of clothing, sorted them all by type and size. I helped the caterer bring in his yummy smelling Thanksgiving style meal for participants and then helped with MORE clothing sorting! Finally help was needed checking in/registering all of the service providers and directing them to their booths!

I wish we could have stayed for the entire duration of the event but being on 3rd shift kinda stinks! This year most of our work was done before the event even started but I know there was a great turnout and I am so happy that we were able to help from 9 to 12:30! By then, we were so tired, we let other volunteers relieve us of our duties and we headed home for a nap.

Some time through out the course of the morning - while I was @ Project Connect - I missed a phone call!

I was mortified and wanted to cry! The call I had missed was a potential employer trying to reach me for an interview! I immediately tried to call back and it was a "non working" number aka they don't accept incoming calls. I was so bummed out but I couldn't change the situation so I continued working until it was time to head home. After I was home, I finally fell asleep only to get a second phone call -- they called back and I have an interview next Wednesday afternoon! Yahoooo!

The cherry on top?

I got another phone call today

I now have a second interview next week at a job that's also in my field!

Say Whaaaaaaat?

Months of nothing and then suddenly TWO

interviews for different positions actually in my field!?

Thankful November:

# 13 I am thankful for comedy and laughter. To quote one of my favorite bands - life is not always rainbows & butterflies, days when I'm in a grumpy mood, I love nothing more than searching YouTube for funny videos or looking at gifs for my next blog post...ha! It truly is the simple things, ya'll friends. : )

# 14 I am thankful for my love of reading! Books are WAY better than the movies and I love finding a good book that I can just get lost in. Similar to curing a bad mood with funny YouTube videos, I enjoy escaping reality sometime through reading and getting caught up in the story. Nicholas Sparks books make my heart smile, cheesy or not they are right up my alley!

# 15 Family traditions! I love a good family tradition and I cannot help but get overly excited thinking about baking Christmas cookies with my mom and my gram <3 I am so thankful for those little traditions that remain unchanged throughout my life. Means so much more than any gift I could find under the tree.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

My boyfriend works in a law enforcement agency and that's the route I'm planning to go down as well. "Crime never sleeps/stops, neither do we" is a saying I've heard repeatedly throughout my undergraduate study...but gosh, 3rd shift life is pretty rough! Even on his days off we're on the opposite schedule as everyone else. Awake some days until 9 a.m. and sleep often until after 5 p.m. -- I never have energy & I'm not a fan!

Anyway, I was shocked to wake up and hear about this:

Downtown St. Joseph, MI morning of 11/12/13.

Michigan *specifically the South West region* was hit hard with snow. Reports of between 9 and 15 inches of new snow across Berrien County {my mom & Grandma live here} Many area schools even closed due to weather/road conditions!

Interstate 94 near Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, MI

Similar to what it looks like outside near where I live! Ha ha, nothin'Crazy how a short 45 minute drive has such different outcomes! The good old 'lake effect'.

I love having less snow where I live because that means less shoveling and less work cleaning snow/ice off the car! But I also love living 45 minutes from where I grew up, and where we always get bombarded in the Winter time!Now that I am not walking in a blizzard across campus, wishing I had skipped class, I enjoy the snow much more. I couldn't imagine living where I didn't have snow during the Holiday season. : )

Thankful November

# 9 I am thankful for social media! Crazy as it sounds to list this so high in my thankfulness, I truly am thankful for the opportunity to connect with family members/friends who live far away. Before Facebook I had to rely on snail-mail and then email but with Facebook, Skype, blogging, etc. I am afforded the luxury of truly connecting with family & I'm thankful!

# 10 I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food in my tummy. Often I catch myself complaining about the run down apartment I call "home" or the lack of food options in the fridge. But I try to remember, at the end of the day. I still have a place to call home, I am thankful for the warmth inside my home as we're entering a cold winter season and thankful for every full tummy I have after meals we've made and eaten. # 11 Tomorrow morning J and I are volunteering with a group whose primary mission is poverty reduction. They hold an event twice a year where community resources {free haircuts by the beauty college, DHS to assist with information and helping people complete the paperwork for government assistance, homeless shelters, women's shelters, support groups, clothing and hygiene products that were generously donated by the community for those in need, etc}are all made available under the same roof with free transportation and a free lunch provided for anyone in need that attends the event. My heart is so full when I help out with events such as this therefore I'm thankful for the opportunity to volunteer my time with organizations that do so much good in communities. note: I intend to recap this year's and maybe last years experience later this week or early next.

# 12 I am thankful for my college education. As much as I cringe at the thought of my $20,000+ debt in student loans and the stress of all things college university related, I am so so so thankful that I was able to attend and complete my bachelor of arts degree in a subject that I am very passionate about. My education changed my life. Throughout those four years, I became a much more open-minded and well-rounded individual. For those qualities and a great sense of accomplishment/pride, I am beyond thankful!!!

Friday, November 8, 2013

Tomorrow my mom is coming to visit and take Josh and I out for brunch, I can't wait! : )

Next Wednesday Josh & I are volunteering with the Poverty Reduction Initiative in Kalamazoo at the Project Connect event, I'll post more about that next week...

Exciting news that I debated not sharing but ultimately decided I can't hold it in any longer...I've finally got a lead for a job! The Sheriff's office contacted me via email to say that my application was pulled to continue further into the hiring process. I had to fill out a second application and now my fingers are crossed. This is HUGE! I've been applying to all kinds of jobs near the city I live in and have had very little luck. This job is directly related to my schooling and I am very hopeful that this is the break I've been waiting for!

Wish me luck or say a prayer, this job would be life changing...

I know very little next to nothing about cameras. I have an outdated semi-decent camera of some sort but I hardly ever take photos because 1) it's outdated and takes less than good quality photos 2) I'm forgetful. When something exciting is going on I don't always remember to snap a photo. But I did the best I could with some photos I have saved on my computer to compile a picture-filled Thankful November post to catch up on the days I've missed.

# 5 I am thankful for animals, specifically my pets. I am so in love with my dogs. They have become more than just dogs or pets, they are part of my family. I feel so amazing when I come to visit them and they can't even contain their emotions of excitement!

Romeo; Are his lovins' not super adorable? I just LOVE him.

This is Maxwell aka Max. He's 'patiently' waiting for me to throw his toy...

# 6 I am thankful for cousins. As an only child, growing up was much more fun when I was hanging out with my cousins! John a year older, Katie (his sister) a year younger than me...well we were two 3 peas in a pod. Those two happen to be the ones I have always been closest to but I am a very lucky girl in the cousins department. I am smack dab in the middle when it comes to age, and I love it!

My three "baby" cousins. Liz, me, Doug, & Stephanie.

The one on the left is now a freshman in high school; Holy cow!

# 7 I am thankful for my country. Specifically the freedoms we have and often take for granted in America. I have never experienced life in another country or culture for that matter but I am very thankful for my life here in the good 'ole mitten state, US of A! Just knowing that I can choose to purchase groceries or grow my own; I can choose to use swear words or not; I can choose to believe in religion or not believe; I can choose to be a republican, democrat, or other and I actually get a say vote. The mere choices I have at my disposal as a citizen of my country brings me joy and I am very thankful for the freedoms I have.

Spotted this while looking out of the ship (USS Midway) on our San Diego vacation 2011.

# 8 I am thankful for friends! Especially the good ones and I have a lot of those. Mostly from high school, but what can I say? My class and a few of the girls from the class under me are just amazing! : )

Monday, November 4, 2013

Friday we drove down to our hometown to watch our high school play defeat our rivals in pre-district playoffs. Josh's dad met us there and he & I both agree -- it feels like just yesterday we were there cheering J on...the past 5 years have flown by. Crazy!

Saturday I lounged around pretty much all day. boring and perfect for this cold Fall weather!

Sunday was spent cleaning our apartment, baking cookies, and watching Parenthood. After finishing all of the available seasons on Netflix of Breaking Bad (it's killing me to not know what happens in the last season!) we I decided to start watching Parenthood. We LOVE it!

On an unrelated note, I posted this video to my Facebook page about a month ago; since watching it, I STILL can't stop laughing! J & I are constantly doing obnoxious Hash tags with our hands in real life #cantstopwontstop

Thankful November:

#2 I am thankful for my mother. Without her I would not exist. She taught me so much in life. And I love her so very much. She's always been one of my very best friends! I am so lucky to have her and I am very thankful she's my mom.

#3 My grandma and papa - my mom's parents - as my mom was a teen mother, her parents helped us out tremendously over the years! My papa passed away 5 years ago this December from Cancer, I miss him everyday, but my love and gratefulness towards him and my gram are infinite. <3

#4 My daddy rob! My biological father is your 'worst case scenario--teen "dad" situation' > needless to say my mom's boyfriend at the time she found out she was pregnant, stepped up to the plate that another guy walked away from. Years down the road my mom and him broke up, and to this day he's still around and still 'dad' and one of my mom's best friends. We love him so much and I'm very thankful for him!

Friday, November 1, 2013

While Halloween has passed and we are beginning the month of November, something I really want to address is the controversy and backlash, actress Julianne Hough received regarding her costume choice this Halloween.

According to Julianne, she is a fan of the show, actress Uzo Aduba, and the character she plays: 'Crazy eyes'. BOOM >> *insert costume Idea*.

When you Google "Crazy eyes", there are almost an equal amount photos of Julianne Hough in her costume as there are of actress Uzo Aduba aka Crazy eyes from Netflix Original Series 'Orange is the New Black'.

I am not easily offended by things such as a Halloween costume, political opinions/debates, most profanity, etc. But the more I reflect on the situation Hough is now facing, I can't help but think that if her use of "black face" is so offensive and inappropriate, why are the following costumes not offensive in the very same way?

Sexy Indian?

Mexican Serape?

"White Face??" Geisha?

Please! Someone explain the difference in any of these offensive/racist/off-putting costumes?Why is it okay for a person to be the three bottom options but a controversy for the top costume? If one is wrong/racist/offensive should the other three I've listed NOT be in the same category and ''off limits'' as well? I believe that answer is YES.

All of these costumes can/may be offensive or non-offensive based on the sensitivity of audiences. Just as plenty of other costumes can be / are offensive...I personally would not be offended to see any of the costumes I've listed, however

I do believe considering one as inappropriate and not considering the rest equally inappropriate,is hypocritical and absurd!

Just something that has been bugging me.

*End rant*

Tonight, my boyfriend and I went to the first of pre-district playoff games for our High school; they played our rivals tonight...SO fun. To top it off they won 44 to 0 -- Go Panthers!

And lastly, as today marks the first of November, I've decided to share one thing I am thankful for each day until Thanksgiving. I will likely miss days because I do not update daily, but in that case I will double triple up on my thankfulness! : )

#1 I am thankful for my supportive and loving boyfriend, without him I truly would be lost. (*rolls eyes*; cliche, I know...but TRUE!) I am so thankful for having him in my life the past five years.